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New Quebec regulations mandate a ladder or steps for all inground and onground pools.

In a continuing effort to improve backyard safety and inground pool installations, Quebec has unveiled its Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (L.R.Q., c. S-3.1.02,a.1).

The legislation, which is currently being studied by a parliamentary committee, is expected to go to the National Assembly this fall, before becoming law in 2010. Key provisions include the following:

• All inground and onground pools must be equipped with a ladder or steps for easy entry and exit;

• All swimming pools (including soft-sided, inflatable types) with a depth of 0.6 m (2 ft) or more must be enclosed by a barrier at least 1.2 m (4 ft) in height;

• A round object measuring 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter must not be able to pass through any fence that forms all or part of a barrier;

• Equipment such as pool heaters or filters must be installed more than 1 m (3.2 ft) away from an above-ground or soft-sided/inflatable pool; and

• A municipal building permit is required for any pool construction, installation or replacement, or for any construction allowing access to a pool. (Soft-sided and inflatable pools only require a permit the first time they are set up, as long as the pool is assembled in the same place and under the same conditions each year.)

The act only applies to new and replacement pools built after the regulations become law. Violations can result in a fine of $100 to 300 for a first offence, and $300 to 500 for each subsequent offence.

Quebec has established itself as a trailblazer in pool safety by enacting regulations at a provincial level, rather than relying on municipalities to pass individual pool safety bylaws. Earlier this year, the province released new diving board standards (Residential Pools Equipped with a Diving Board [P9461-100-7]).